No Prediction From Barney

House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, speaking to reporters in the lobby, refused to speculate on the vote outcome, but said that "reality, not the senate" was pushing the nays to yeas.

"The obvious vote Monday was no. It's a lot less obvious now," he said, adding that the credit market freeze had shut down construction sites, car dealerships and thrown the ability of states and local governments to fund their operations in doubt.

He said, though, that it was still a hard vote for members, because they're voting to prevent harm rather than do good. He quoted LBJ to make his point: "it's like wearing dark pants and p---ing down your leg. It gives you a warm feeling, but no one knows you did it."